SAMPLE ITINERARY

The Rhine River has its source in the Alps and winds its way down from Basel in Switzerland, through Germany and the Alsace region of France, all the way to Amsterdam. On its 77 mile journey, it flows through six countries including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands.

The Rhine is often considered one of the best river cruises for first-timers, mostly because of the spectacular Rhine Gorge, a 40 mile stretch of the river lined with fairy-tale castles, vineyards and medieval villages. Music is traditionally played on the sun deck, as you glide through this magnificent scenery.

Week-long cruises can be taken in either direction. If starting from the canals and gabled houses of Amsterdam, we suggest adding on a couple of nights in this lovely city. You can also add on a mini-cruise through the Dutch waterways to see the windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the spring you can also see the tulip fields.

Alternatively, if you wish to miss out some of the Rhine industrial areas, you can start your cruise in Cologne which is famous for its magnificent twin-towered Gothic cathedral and Christmas markets.

Further down the river is Koblenz, which is overlooked by the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress - one of the largest castles in Europe. The lesser-known Moselle River runs through northeast France and Luxembourg, joining the Rhine at this point. Longer itineraries can take in a section of this quieter and narrower river, that winds through the heart of Germany's wine-growing country. Visit small wine towns such as Cochem, with its charming Old Town filled with half-timbered houses and Trier, dating back to the Romans and boasting the stunning Porta Nigra, one of the original gates into the city.

Continuing along the Rhine you will pass Marksburg Castle, perched above scenic Braubach, and reach the dramatic Rhine Gorge. A high point of the day is passing by the Lorelei, a treacherous rock that inspired the legend of a woman so beautiful that she lured sailors to their doom. The town of Rudesheim am Rhein is known for its winemaking, especially Riesling wines and at its centre is Drosselgasse, a bustling lane lined with shops, pubs and restaurants.

Near Wiesbaden and medieval Mainz, the Main River enters the Rhine. Flowing across central Germany from northeast Bavaria, it is the longest tributary of the Rhine and the Main–Danube Canal links these two great rivers. If you detour along this river you can visit medieval Nuremberg, infamous for its Nazi rally grounds and war crime trials held here after World War II.

Staying on the Rhine, after Mannheim you can take an excursion to the university city of Heidelberg, with its ancient ruined castle perched on a rocky hilltop. Also enjoy breathtaking views of the Black Forest, the centre of German folklore.

Continue past Strasbourg in France, which will introduce you to the sights and flavours of the Alsace region, which has been fought over by France and Germany for centuries. It has its own distinctive culture and culinary specialties, such as Flammkuchen (a very thin-crust type of pizza). You can see outstanding timber-framed architecture in Petite France, the oldest area of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy excellent shopping especially during the Christmas markets.

Your cruise will end in Basel, the gateway to Switzerland and the Alps. It has a medieval Old Town centred around Marktplatz, with a 16th century red sandstone Town Hall and a 12th century Gothic cathedral containing the tomb of the 16th century Dutch scholar, Erasmus. 

Rhine cruises can be booked to coincide with annual events such as the Christmas Markets, or the spectacular ‘Rhine in Flames’ firework festival, which takes place every August/September to celebrate the wine harvest. Every 10 years you can book a cruise to include tickets to the famous Oberammergau Passion Play.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing a twin cabin on a full board basis, including morning and afternoon tea. An optional drinks package is available on request. Airport and port transfers are included, but not Eurostar train tickets or flights, which can be arranged on request.

We offer a choice of river cruises at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All cruises and cabin classes are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.